Holding the Storm By Nick Farr

 

Holding the Storm

By

Nick Farr

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I read Nicks album notes on our own personal or global storms, and he certainly has a point, and I can also state that music has helped me through some of the most turbulent times in my life as well, and I guess it always will, music for me is the only language that always tells the truth and never lies, it is what it is, and this latest album from Nick Farr is as a powerful compilation of great compositions to help anyone who is going through or about to enter the storm itself, and thus this is why releases like Holding The Storm is vitally important in this day and age more than ever.

So let’s take a look at this grand offering and we start with the proud title track. Holding the Storm is a legendary piece with a soundtrack quality, almost Lord of Rings pre final battle scene, it has a deep sense of strength, but a track that also contains quieter segments that go on to build further; if ever you were looking for the perfect start to an album this is it.

Celtic Quest says does exactly what it says on the can, the lilt is from the highlands and the upbeat tempo is not that far away from a rock reverie, mix that with the sublime flute of Leah Wilson and you have a masterpiece of a composition, one that constantly drives onward across valleys and vales, Lyman Golden with both banjo and electric guitar really gives this composition by Farr the edge it needed.

We slide into the open arms of one of the most beautiful compositions from the album called Hope. Again Lyman Golden, this time on acoustic guitar, partners Leah Wilson (flute) to create a pastiche of symbiotic tone and timbre, Farr’s melodic and creative piano brings changes in tempo, uplifts in tone and adds a vibration of hopeful mystery into the weave of the composition.

The opening bars of this next piece truly reminded me of the early days of masters of the piano like Elton John, Farr created here a mood so meaningful and honest on the track called Here We Are, that one would have to wonder if they were perhaps listening to an anthem like opus that would be a timeless reverie over the decades ahead, when the trumpet of Ben Jones joined the fray the answer became a resounding yes, magic was indeed born.

The string sections are so very important on an album like this, I am glad to say that composer Nick Farr has created a symphonic gesture that is utterly delightful on the track Love Notes, this is a piece that changes its posture a few times within its arrangement, as a percussive element is brought into the composition to manifest a cheer filled construction.

Whilst on In the Face of Danger the midway section of the album is reached, this powerful melodramatic offering has us literally standing eye to eye with whatever opponent we have in front of us at that moment, the orchestral prowess of the piece gives us, that ever needy listener, an opportunity to gather up courage and move steadily onwards without fear.

This 12 track release by Farr has been 7 years in the making, but the wait has been worth it, once more power plays like the almost regal and grand Another Way, a composition that builds and flows like a river in mid-winter, this is neoclassical music at its very best, and some of the most inspirational music I have heard since my last visit to my David Arkenstone collection.

From my upstairs balcony I can gaze across the ocean, here I see many ships cross the horizon, and here I know have a piece that encapsulates that moment in music and called Sailing to the Horizon. This is a fast paced exploratory symphonic creation that powers across the late November waves in distain for the inclement weather, and is one of the most dramatic offerings off the album, and most certainly movie score standard with ease.

My second favourite season is Spring, it borders the boundaries of the death of winter and the hopefulness and happiness of summer, this specific piece is even more classical in its posture, highlighting the need for an orchestra to manifest something so redolent of hope, transition, colour and energy, this Farr’s creation does with such style and ease.

There comes a point in all our lives when we give in to the moment, we don’t give up, we become Fearless.  Farr has brought a special scene, perhaps even created a special moment in the album when our heads can bravely come above the parapets of oppression and stand tall. This is a marvellous and careful creation, one that contains a fearless approach, but also one of trepidation and concern.

The shore has been reached as we land at the penultimate track off the album, and this delicious offering is called Return to the Highlands. Anticipation is the watchword here as the composer builds a cautious composition, but one that grows with a steady confidence and fluency, this is a masterful last but one creation by the artist and his orchestra, a piece that would be easily used on a soundtrack for a documentary about the Celts maybe!

The final and departing musical narrative is entitled Meadows of Green, a softer more gentle piece is slowly manifested here, in its self it becomes more of an anthem for a return home after many years of exile, and like the subject matter of the entire album, it is at this point that we can see the benefit of actually standing tall and holding back that storm.

We have all been there, trials, tribulations large and small, life’s rich tapestry, its twists and turns affects us all and always will do, but we all have it in us to hold that storm at bay and rise above the negativity and gloom. On Holding The Storm by Nick Farr we now have a soundtrack for that event, something we can always refer back to when times get tough.

Holding The Storm by Nick Farr is a high quality instrumental moment of musical power and intensity, and holding that musical flag of hope high we will always prevail. This is an example of fine instrumental work from Farr, his piano and his orchestral team, it is a fine example of top class Neo Classical music, and as such I would not be surprised at all to see this album in the top reaches of the charts, it is that compelling and invigorating.